Warwick

Introduction

Warwick (pronounced 'Worrick', pop. 23,000), on the River Avon, is the county town of Warwickshire. The town is famous for its Tudor architecture, and above all, its castle, which doesn't hesitate to advertise itself as 'Britain's greatest medieval experience'. Warwick is also renowned for its university, which, despite of being of the country's newest (founded in 1965), has quickly established itself as one of the best, notably in the fields of mathematics, computer sciences, business and horticulture.

The town's star attraction is Warwick Castle, which stands as one of England's most dramatic and complete medieval castles. Originally built by William the Conqueror in 1068 as a wooden motte and bailey structure, it was later converted to stone in the 12th century. The castle has played pivotal roles throughout British history, serving as a stronghold during the Wars of the Roses and the English Civil War. Home to the powerful Richard Neville, known as the 'Kingmaker', and visited by numerous monarchs including Edward IV and Richard III, Warwick Castle offers visitors a genuine glimpse into medieval England. Today, the castle features impressive architectural elements including the 39-metre-high Guy's Tower, the masterfully designed Caesar's Tower, and the formidable gatehouse with its original portcullis. Visitors can explore the castle's extensive grounds, tour the Great Hall with its collection of over 1,000 pieces of arms and armour, experience immersive historical exhibits, and enjoy daily medieval-themed events and shows.

Interesting Facts about Warwick

• Warwick is a historic market town in Warwickshire, founded by the Saxons in the 6th century and located on the River Avon.
• Warwick Castle was originally built in 1068 by William the Conqueror as a wooden motte-and-bailey structure before being rebuilt in stone during the 12th century.
• The castle's site dates back to 914 CE when Alfred the Great’s daughter, Æthelflæd, constructed a fort to defend against Danish invaders.
• Warwick Castle played a significant role in British history, including during the Wars of the Roses and the English Civil War.
• The castle once housed Edward IV as a prisoner in 1469 and was later owned by Richard Neville, known as the "Kingmaker."
• Warwick suffered a devastating fire in 1694, leading to much of the town being rebuilt with elegant Georgian architecture.
• The Lord Leycester Hospital, established in 1571, is one of Warwick’s most notable historic buildings and includes a tea room and tranquil gardens.
• Warwick Castle is home to the world’s most powerful trebuchet, capable of launching projectiles over 800 feet at speeds of up to 160 mph.
• Queen Elizabeth I visited Warwick Castle in the 16th century, prompting the construction of a separate timber building for her stay.
• Visitors to Warwick can enjoy its antique shops, bustling Saturday market, and attractions like St. Mary’s Church and St. John’s House Museum.

History

Warwick traces its origins back to 914 CE when Æthelflæd, daughter of King Alfred the Great, established a Saxon fort on the banks of the River Avon as a defence against Danish invaders. The strategic location overlooking the river valley and important road crossings made it a vital settlement. In 1068, two years after the Norman Conquest, William the Conqueror founded Warwick Castle, initially as a wooden motte-and-bailey structure, which was later rebuilt in stone during the 12th century.

Warwick had a turbulent history, with the title of Earl of Warwick passing successively from the Newburgh (1088-1242) to John Du Plessis, William Mauduit, then to the Beauchamp (1268-1449), Neville (1449-1471), Plantagent (1471-1499), then becoming property of the Crown under Henry VII and VIII, then to the Dudley family (1547-1590), the Crown again, before returning to the new Earls of Warwick, shared between the Grevilles and Richs since 1604.

The medieval period saw Warwick flourish under the control of the Earls of Warwick, with the town gaining its walls, of which only the East and West Gates survive today. Warwick Castle played a significant role in English history, serving as a stronghold during the Hundred Years' War, the Wars of the Roses, and the English Civil War. The castle witnessed dramatic events, including the imprisonment of King Edward IV in 1469 and a Royalist siege in 1642.

The most famous occupant was probably Richard Neville (1428-1471), nicknamed "the Kingmaker". He was the richest man of his time in England and managed to depose Henry VI in favour of Edward IV, then back again to Henry VI before being killed in battle by Edward IV's forces.

Throughout its history, Warwick has faced challenges and transformations. The Great Fire of 1694 destroyed much of the medieval town, leading to the rebuilding of many structures in the elegant style of the late 17th and early 18th centuries. Today, Warwick Castle stands as one of the most impressive and complete medieval castles in Britain, offering visitors a glimpse into centuries of history. In 1978, Tussauds acquired the castle, which explains for the numerous wax figures inside. The town itself, with its blend of medieval, Stuart, and Georgian architecture, continues to be the heart of Warwickshire, serving as the county town and home to numerous historic buildings and attractions.

Attractions

Warwick Castle

Warwick Castle stands as one of Britain's most magnificent medieval fortresses, majestically positioned on a sandstone bluff overlooking the River Avon. This architectural masterpiece features an impressive façade with formidable stone walls that have withstood the test of time. The castle's exterior is characterised by its distinctive towers and battlements, creating a silhouette that dominates the Warwickshire skyline.

The East Front presents a particularly grand aspect, with its symmetrical design and imposing gatehouse drawing visitors into the castle's embrace. The castle walls, measuring up to 3 metres thick in places, encircle the inner courtyard and provide a tangible connection to the fortress's defensive past. Walking along the ramparts offers splendid views across the surrounding countryside, with the gentle curves of the River Avon creating a natural moat around portions of the castle grounds.

The Great Hall and State Rooms

Upon entering the castle, visitors are greeted by the magnificent Great Hall, a cavernous space adorned with suits of armour, heraldic shields, and an impressive collection of weapons. The vaulted ceiling soars overhead, supported by intricately carved wooden beams that showcase medieval craftsmanship at its finest. Enormous windows flood the space with natural light, illuminating the rich tapestries that adorn the stone walls.

The State Rooms offer a glimpse into aristocratic life through the centuries. The Red Drawing Room dazzles with its crimson silk wall coverings and ornate gilded furniture, while the Green Drawing Room features elegant Georgian décor and family portraits in ornate frames. The Blue Boudoir presents a more intimate setting, with delicate furnishings and personal artefacts creating an atmosphere of refined comfort. Each room contains exquisite period furniture, priceless artworks, and decorative objects that reflect the tastes and status of the castle's noble residents.

The Castle Towers

Warwick Castle boasts several impressive towers that punctuate its skyline. Guy's Tower, a 12-sided structure rising 39 metres, offers the most spectacular views for those willing to climb its 500 steps. From its summit, visitors can enjoy a panoramic vista encompassing the town of Warwick, the surrounding countryside, and the sinuous path of the River Avon.

Caesar's Tower, the tallest of the castle's structures, features distinctive corbels and machiolations that speak to its defensive purpose. The tower houses a series of chambers connected by a spiral staircase, with arrow slits providing glimpses of the exterior. The Bear Tower and Clarence Tower complete the castle's defensive perimeter, each offering unique architectural details and perspectives on the castle's strategic design.

The Mound and Original Fortifications

At the heart of the castle complex lies the Mound, an artificial earthwork dating back to the original Norman fortifications. This conical hill, crowned with a reconstructed wooden lookout post, provides visitors with a connection to the castle's earliest days. The climb to the top rewards with splendid views of the inner bailey and the geometric patterns of the formal gardens below.

The remains of the original stone keep can be glimpsed at the base of the Mound, with archaeological features highlighted for the interested observer. This area offers a fascinating contrast to the more elaborate later additions, demonstrating how the castle evolved from a purely military structure to a stately home over the centuries.

The Pageant Field

The Pageant Field stretches along the riverside, providing a magnificent green expanse framed by the castle walls. This vast open area, with its lush grass and scattered shade trees, offers breathing space within the castle complex. The field derives its name from the historical pageants once performed here, where elaborate re-enactments of medieval scenes would entertain noble guests.

From the field, visitors can appreciate the full scale and grandeur of the castle's exterior, with its towers and battlements creating a dramatic skyline. The riverside location adds to the picturesque quality, particularly in the golden light of late afternoon when the castle's warm sandstone seems to glow against the sky. Swans and other waterfowl can often be spotted gliding along this stretch of the Avon, adding movement to the tranquil scene.

The Trebuchet and Jousting Arena

Within the castle grounds stands a full-size working trebuchet, a remarkable reconstruction of a medieval siege engine. This impressive wooden structure, standing over 18 metres tall, demonstrates the engineering prowess of medieval military designers. Its massive counterweight and throwing arm create a striking silhouette against the sky, providing both an educational exhibit and a dramatic focal point in the landscape.

The Jousting Arena occupies a level area of the grounds, surrounded by gently sloping banks that create natural viewing areas. The arena's surface is carefully maintained to provide safe footing for horses, while colourful pennants and heraldic banners add a festive atmosphere to this medieval sporting venue. Even when not in use, the arena's design and setting evoke the pageantry and chivalric traditions of the Middle Ages.

The Castle's Parks & Gardens

The Peacock Garden

The Peacock Garden represents Victorian horticultural design at its most refined. This formal garden features immaculately trimmed yew hedges sculpted into peacock shapes, their 'tails' formed by vibrant flowerbeds that change with the seasons. In spring, tulips and daffodils create a carpet of colour, while summer brings fragrant roses and lavender that attract butterflies and bees.

The garden is arranged in a symmetrical pattern around a central fountain, where water dances in the sunlight before cascading into a stone basin adorned with classical motifs. Gravel pathways lined with box hedges guide visitors through the space, with strategically placed benches offering opportunities to sit and admire the horticultural artistry. The garden's elevated position provides stunning views across the Pageant Field to the river beyond, creating a perfect harmony between cultivated beauty and natural landscape.

The Conservatory and Victorian Rose Garden

Adjacent to the Peacock Garden lies the Victorian Conservatory, a delightful glasshouse with wrought-iron detailing and elegant proportions. Inside, visitors find a collection of exotic plants and seasonal displays that reflect the Victorian passion for botanical specimens. Palm trees reach toward the glass ceiling, while orchids and other tropical blooms add splashes of colour throughout the year.

The Victorian Rose Garden presents a more intimate horticultural experience, with winding paths leading through beds of heritage roses chosen for their fragrance and historical significance. Climbing varieties scramble over arched trellises, creating fragrant tunnels that delight the senses. The garden is particularly enchanting in June and July when the roses are at their peak, filling the air with their heady perfume.

The Landscaped Park

Surrounding the formal gardens is an expansive landscaped park designed by the renowned 18th-century landscape architect Capability Brown. His naturalistic approach transformed the castle grounds into a seemingly effortless arrangement of rolling lawns, strategically placed specimen trees, and artfully created vistas. Ancient oaks and sweet chestnuts, some predating Brown's design, provide majestic focal points and welcome shade on sunny days.

The park's design incorporates the River Avon as a key feature, with the waterway curving gracefully through the landscape. Brown's characteristic style is evident in the subtle manipulation of terrain to create a series of picture-perfect views, each one framing the castle from a different perspective. Gentle slopes lead down to the river's edge, where willows trail their branches in the water and waterfowl glide serenely on the surface.

Throughout the park, carefully positioned benches invite visitors to pause and appreciate the harmonious blend of architecture and nature. In spring, drifts of daffodils and bluebells carpet the woodland areas, while autumn brings a spectacular display of golden and russet foliage that reflects beautifully in the river.

The Secret Garden

Tucked away in a secluded corner of the castle grounds lies the Secret Garden, a charming space designed to surprise and delight. Hidden behind high stone walls and accessed through an ivy-covered archway, this garden offers a more intimate experience than the grander formal areas. Herbaceous borders burst with cottage garden favourites, creating a tapestry of colour and texture throughout the growing season.

A small central pond reflects the sky, while a weathered sundial marks the passing hours. Climbing roses and clematis scramble over rustic pergolas, creating scented walkways through the garden. Stone benches positioned in sunny corners invite visitors to linger and enjoy the tranquillity of this hidden gem, where birdsong provides a gentle soundtrack to the garden's natural beauty.

The Avon Riverside Walk

A picturesque pathway follows the course of the River Avon as it winds around the castle grounds. This riverside walk offers constantly changing views of the castle from different angles, each one worthy of a landscape painting. Ancient willows line portions of the bank, their branches creating dappled shade on sunny days and artistic reflections in the water.

The path alternates between open stretches with panoramic views and more intimate sections where vegetation creates a sense of discovery around each bend. Wooden bridges cross small tributary streams, while strategically placed benches allow visitors to pause and appreciate particularly fine vistas. The riverside walk connects various areas of the grounds, providing a pleasant way to experience the castle's setting within the natural landscape.

River Island and the Mill

River Island sits as a verdant oasis in the midst of the Avon, accessed by an ornamental bridge that arches gracefully over the water. Once home to the castle's private menagerie, this tranquil spot now features meandering paths through mature trees and shrubs, creating a sense of secluded wilderness within the castle grounds. The island offers unique perspectives of the castle, with its towers and turrets reflected in the river's surface on still days.

The Mill and Engine House stand as reminders of the castle's self-sufficient past. The watermill, with its impressive wooden wheel still turning in the river's current, showcases traditional engineering principles. Inside, original mechanisms and millstones demonstrate how water power was harnessed to grind grain for the castle's inhabitants. The adjacent Engine House contains a fascinating collection of historical machinery, including a rare Victorian water pump that once supplied the castle with running water.

Other attractions

Among Warwick's fine historical buildings, the most impressive is without doubt the timber-framed 16th-century Lord Leycester Hospital.

The Collegiate Church of St Mary suffered badly from the 1694 fire, but is worth visiting for its Beauchamp Chapel, which includes a statue of two Earls of Warwick, Thomas de Beauchamps and Richard "Kingmaker" Neville.

Getting There

To reach Warwick, you have several convenient options. By car, the town is easily accessible via the M40 motorway, with ample parking available in the town centre. Alternatively, you can use public transport; Warwick railway station is well-connected to major cities like London and Birmingham, making it a straightforward journey by train. Regular bus services also link Warwick to nearby towns such as Leamington Spa and Stratford-upon-Avon. Once in Warwick, the town's compact size makes it easy to explore on foot, allowing you to discover its historic attractions like Warwick Castle and St Mary's Church without needing further transport.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Warwick is during the summer months of June to August, when the weather is warm and dry, making it ideal for exploring the town's historic sites, such as Warwick Castle. However, these months are peak tourist season, so expect larger crowds and higher prices. For a more serene experience, consider visiting during the shoulder seasons of spring or autumn. Spring offers mild temperatures and fewer tourists, while autumn brings beautiful foliage and a more relaxed atmosphere. If you prefer to avoid the crowds altogether, visiting during the week rather than weekends can also be beneficial. Regardless of the season, arriving early in the morning is advisable to make the most of your visit.